Discharge from the genitals in men occurs in the form of a small amount of fluid or mucus, which is a different condition and color. Fluid (mucus) is secreted from the urethra, it is also possible to separate the secretion from the preputial gland, which is located under the skin that covers the head of the penis.
Physiological discharge
- the criteria for the urine norm are light golden color, no odors;
- the criteria for the rate of secretion of the prostate are viscous, a white tint, a certain smell of sperm;
- the criterion for the norm of ejaculate is the sperm mixed with the secretion secreted by the prostate, gray in color and the consistency of mucus;
- the criterion for the smegma norm is a thick white fat.
Smegma (preputial lubricant) accumulates under the foreskin of the penis and is a build-up of fats and debris from certain bacteria. The lubricant is used to reduce the feeling of friction between the head and foreskin. In different phases of life, the amount of secretion secreted by the preputial glands is different, the climax falls with puberty, and in old age it completely ceases.
If the hygiene rules are not observed, lubricant (smegma) will be collected under the foreskin. Fats are oxidized and the proteins that make up the composition begin to break down. To put it simply, the process of decay begins. The color of the lubricant becomes greenish, a putrid smell appears. The constant build-up of lubricant results in chronic balanitis or worse, malignant tumors develop.
The urethral glands secrete a colorless fluid called urethral rhea. It serves to protect the urethra. Its appearance is associated with strong excitement during erection. The amount of secretions depends on the physiological characteristics of each organism, but after a long refusal to intercourse, the amount increases.
In the morning, wet dreams (spontaneous discharge of semen) are possible that are not related to sex. Pollution is possible in both adolescents and mature men who have not had sexual intercourse for a long time.
When the abdominal muscles are tense, a small amount of translucent mucus is released from the urethra. Prostatorrhea can also occur with constipation.
Pathological changes in the discharge
Abnormal discharge from the penis can indicate a sexually transmitted disease (STD), cancer, nonspecific inflammation, or genital trauma.
It is possible to distinguish from ordinary secretions those associated with a pathological nature, possibly by their nature, smell, color:
- the discharge volume has become much more abundant, or vice versa;
- the color has changed, the discharge has become cloudy;
- there were impurities of blood, pus, lumps of mucus;
- Structural change: the discharge became sticky and thick;
- the smell has become fishy, sour, or rotten;
- unpleasant sensations occur when urinating.
If you notice a change in your discharge it is dangerous to self-medicate. It is necessary to seek medical advice as soon as possible, undergo tests, and also get a smear test.
Discharge characteristics of sexually transmitted diseases
Excretions that become very viscous and, as a rule, transparent in color, are a chronic form of mycoplasmosis and ureaplasmosis, chlamydia. The analysis will find leukocytes in the field of view up to 5 units.
If the discharge has become white and translucent, it indicates an acute form of mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis.
Discharge with purulent spots and a characteristic odor is a sign of gonorrhea. Their structure is very thick and sticky, the color is greenish-yellow. Large numbers of leukocytes are detected in laboratory tests. Painful sensations when urinating are also noticed.
Multiple pathogen infections are common in sexually transmitted diseases. The symptoms and type of discharge look completely different, so it is very important to conduct high-quality laboratory tests to identify the true causative agents of the disease.
Non-venereal inflammation and discharge in men
Non-venereal inflammation occurs when non-specific bacteria invade the pelvic organs and can also be the result of immune problems. The own microflora becomes conditionally pathogenic when pathogenic bacteria, which occur in small numbers, prevail over beneficial bacteria and thereby cause non-venereal inflammation.
Non-gonorrheic urethritis is characterized by discharge in the form of purulent lumps in small amounts. There is a frequent need to urinate, an itchiness. The infection is ascending and infects the bladder first, then the kidneys. When the kidneys are infected, the discharge will contain blood. This is a very dangerous symptom.
Fungi of the genus Candida cause candidiasis. An increase in the number of these fungi occurs with a weakening of one's immunity, as well as after taking antibiotics. Symptoms include discharge that is similar in structure to cottage cheese. There is a sour smell, itching, especially when urinating.
Gardnerellosis of the urethra is determined by a specific smell of fish, the discharge turns yellow-green, of small volume. This infection occurs when there is a violation of the microflora, in other words, when there is dysbiosis.
If the foreskin is inflamed (balanoposthitis), the discharge becomes purulent and slimy. The glans penis turns red and becomes very painful.
Prostatitis manifests as cloudy discharge that occurs at the end of urination. This disease has serious complications such as lack of erection and complete impotence, anuria.
Discharge untypical for inflammation
Spermatorrhea is a passive loss of semen without masturbation or intercourse. This disease is mostly the result of stress, neuroses or diseases of the spine. In spermatorrhea, the ducts are innervated.
Bloody discharge can occur after trauma to the urethral canal, swabs, insertion of a catheter, and when sand or small stones pass through the urethral canal. In this case, the haematorrhea is very painful.
A serious symptom is brown discharge with pus and blood - they indicate the presence of a malignant tumor.
If you experience any abnormal discharge, you should contact a medical facility immediately and have the necessary tests performed. The sooner the correct diagnosis is made, the faster recovery will come.
How does the exam work?
- First, an examination of the penis is carried out. The procedure is necessary to detect traces of trauma to the head and foreskin. Look for a rash or discharge.
- Mandatory examination and palpation of the lymph nodes in the groin, determining their size, condition, temperature.
- Sampling of secretions from the prostate for laboratory research - for this, the prostate massage takes place through the rectum.
In the laboratory, an examination of the collected material is carried out under a microscope:
- a smear can determine the maturity of leukocytes, their number in the field of vision. An increased amount indicates acute urethritis or a chronic inflammatory process;
- an increased number of eosinophils indicates an allergic process in the urethra;
- if erythrocytes are detected, then we can talk about tumors, severe inflammation;
- if the amount of epithelium exceeds the norm, we speak of chronic urethritis;
- the smear contains sperm - spermatorrhea;
- Mucus is found in the smear - urethrorrhea;
- Lipid grains are present in the smear - prostatorrhea.
For reliable results, you need to follow a few rules: do not wash before taking the material, do not have sex a day before the analysis, do not go to the bathroom for a few hours before taking a smear.
LHC vaccination is required to identify the greatest number of microorganisms from the same species. Their properties are studied for further diagnosis of the infection. A general analysis of blood and urine is done. An ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs and the prostate is carried out, if necessary as indicated, then tomography.
Any uncharacteristic discharge is a serious reason to see a doctor. You cannot self-medicate even if the disease seems obvious to you. In this way, complications can be generated that are difficult to treat even with the most powerful antibiotics. The inflammatory process will not stop, it will only take a latent form, fraught with serious complications, up to and including death.
Precautions
Any disease is easier to prevent than cure. Therefore, if you follow simple rules of personal hygiene, you can protect yourself from many problems. In addition, there are a few more rules:
- Underwear should be made of natural materials, not tight;
- Appropriate contraception is required;
- Casual sex should be avoided.
Compulsory treatment for both partners is required if at least one of them is diagnosed with a venereal disease. Otherwise, there will be constant re-infection, which is dangerous with a transition to a chronic form and even infertility.